America

by Simon and Garfunkel • Lesson #603 • Oct 17, 2025

About This Lesson

In this lesson I’ll teach you to play America by Simon and Garfunkel, from their 1968 album Bookends. This is an amazingly fun song to play, though it is quite a lot to chew on when it comes to the chord shapes & progressions needed. In my guitar lesson, I’ll walk you through everything — showing the easiest way to make your way through the song, along with several tips for adding flair & flourish throughout. Enjoy!

  • 0:00 Lesson Overview
  • 1:51 Rhythm & Strumming
  • 3:36 Main Walkdown: Basics
  • 6:13 Main Walkdown: Fills
  • 10:09 Verse 1 & 3
  • 13:38 Verse 2 & 4
  • 15:39 Bridge
  • 18:23 Outro
  • 20:24 Farewell & Final Tips

Practice Guide 6 pages

A visual companion to help you learn this song. Expands on what I teach in my video lesson with step-by-step guidance, easy-to-follow graphics, and practical tips.

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A visual companion to help you learn this song. Expands on what I teach in my video lesson with step-by-step guidance, easy-to-follow graphics, and practical tips.

To download the PDF, upgrade to premium or log in.

Lesson Discussion

Jump in the conversation with other members of the Song Notes community! Post a comment about this lesson, ask a question, or even upload a video of your progress. All skill levels welcome!

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Extended Video Lessons

Here’s a few extra videos, made in thanks to those supporting me with Premium membership here on my Song Notes website. To those showing your support, you have my true thanks and appreciation — and I hope you find these additional videos helpful!

Part 2 - Vocal Melody Deep Dive

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Zoomed Playthrough (no singing)

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Zoomed Playthrough (with singing)

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Here’s all lessons I’ve made tackling the tips & techniques used throughout this song. Brushing up on these will absolutely help you get up to speed with this song.

Looking for more songs in 6/8 time? Here’s some of my favorites — see my 6/8 time strumming lesson (linked above) for a full list.

And here’s all the other lessons I’ve made tackling Simon & Garfunkel songs (including those by Paul Simon)

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Title (short)
America by Simon and Garfunkel
YouTube URL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP9f0KRFt3Q
Thumbnail (video)
Video thumbnail for How to Play
Thumbnail (pdf)
PDF thumbnail for How to Play
Slug
603
Lesson URL
/lessons/603/
PDF num pages
6
Patreon URL
n/a
Discussion URL
https://community.songnotes.net/c/song-notes-lesson-discussion/america-by-simon-garfunkel-lesson-603
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